The former Barcelona star and current hero of Inter Miami topped the voting ahead of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Messi’s former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappé.
“I never imagined having the career that I’ve had. I’ve had the luck, thank God, to have achieved all my goals, to have achieved everything in football which is very difficult,” said Messi after receiving his Ballon d’Or from Inter Miami co-owner and former England great David Beckham.
“I’m happy to get that recognition that I’m getting thanks to what we have achieved with the national team,” Messi told Reuters.
“The World Cup title we had been aiming for for so many years makes it even more special,” he added.
Asked if he would carry on until the 2026 World Cup, Messi said: “I don't think about it. I'll enjoy (my career) day by day. First, there will be the Copa America in the United States (in 2024).
Other laureates
Meanwhile, Messi’s World Cup-winning team mate Emiliano Martinez won the Lev Yashin award for the world’s best goalkeeper.
Spanish Women’s World Cup winner and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player, while club teammate Vinicius Jr. was awarded the Socrates Award for his humanitarian work off the pitch.
The greatest of all time
Messi, who last took home the trophy in 2021, was a key figure in Argentina’s triumph over France in the World Cup final in Qatar, which marked their first victory in the tournament in 36 years.
With eight Ballons d'Or in hand, the 36-year-old is currently besting Ronaldo by three titles. With five second-place finishes, Messi has now been placed in the top three of the competition – a record of 14 times overall.
Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 and went on to win four consecutively until 2012. Haaland, 23, after leading City to the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season with 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions, was one of the top contenders to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Messi, nevertheless, edged out the Norwegian striker for the prize due to Argentina’s incredible run at the World Cup in Qatar, where he won the Silver Boot (seven goals and three assists) and the Golden Ball for best overall player.
The World Cup was the only significant title that Messi’s resume lacked as Argentina.The World Cup was the only significant title that Messi’s resume lacked as Argentina made up for losing to Germany in the 2014 final, and in March he became just the third player in history to reach 100 goals for his country.
